Schools are listed in alphabetical order. 

• Diley Middle

750 Preston Trails Drive

Pickerington, OH 43147

Phone: 614-830-2900

Fax: 614-408-2502

• Fairfield Elementary

  1300 Coventry Avenue

  Pickerington, OH 43147

  Phone: 614-834-7600

  Fax: 614-834-7610

• Harmon Middle 

  12410 Harmon Road

  Pickerington, OH 43147

  Phone: 614-835-2000

  Fax: 614-408-2515

• Heritage Elementary

  100 East Street

  Pickerington, OH 43147

  Phone: 614-833-6385

  Fax: 614-408-2541

• Pickerington Elementary

  775 Long Road

  Pickerington, OH 43147

  Phone: 614-548-1400

  Fax: 614-548-1410

• Sycamore Creek Elementary 

  500 Sycamore Creek Street

  Pickerington, OH 43147

  Phone: 614-834-6200

  Fax: 614-834-6210

• Toll Gate Elementary

  12183 Tollgate Road

  Pickerington, OH 43147

  Phone: 614-834-6300

  Fax: 614-834-6310

• Toll Gate Middle

  12089 Tollgate Road

  Pickerington, OH 43147

  Phone: 614-834-6400

  Fax: 614-834-6410

• Tussing Elementary

  7117 Tussing Road

  Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

  Phone: 614-834-2600

  Fax: 614-834-2610

• Violet Elementary

  8855 Education Drive

  Pickerington, OH 43147

  Phone: 614-548-1500

  Fax: 614-548-1510

Dear students, parents/guardians,

I am pleased to introduce the Student Code of Conduct for Pickerington Local Schools. Our code of conduct is a comprehensive resource designed to support the growth and development of our students, as well as ensure their safety and well-being while they are in our care.

Our mission in Pickerington Local Schools is to educate for tomorrow by ensuring every student is prepared for life after graduating, whether enrolling in college, enlisting in the armed forces, or following their career path. An important first step towards fulfilling this mission is to provide a learning environment that is orderly, safe, and positive. As Superintendent, one of the responsibilities I hold most seriously, is to provide a safe and secure environment for students and staff.

Students and families, PLSD is privileged to partner with you in cultivating a safe environment for all of our students to thrive academically and socially. Please review with your child the expectations for conduct and attendance found in this handbook. Working together, we can continue to keep schools among the safest places in the community for children to learn and grow.  

Thank you for your commitment to PLSD.  

Sincerely,  

Chris M. Briggs, Ed.D.  

Superintendent of Schools 

614-833-2110

www.pickerington.k12.oh.us

614-837-8525

614-833-3645

VISION: We aspire to be the school district of choice, improving our community and society by opening  doors and providing opportunities for every child, every day. 

MISSION: Our mission is to provide an engaging, innovative and holistic experience that empowers all  students to become responsible, productive citizens.  

Your acknowledgement of these rules constitutes a first warning. You will be given no further warning. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with these rules and the consequences of violating them. The rules herein apply to all students when on all school premises, at all school-sponsored activities, and when aboard a school bus or other Board-owned vehicle. The application of the policies in this handbook applies to all Pickerington Schools activities. 

In addition to being posted on the District’s website, our Code of Conduct can be found in the Main Office, the Guidance Office, the Media Center, and classrooms. 

The Board of Education has established policies and procedures that pertain to students, staff, and school  operations. These policies and procedures can be found via links on the District’s website. 

Parents and guardians, thank you for reviewing the  Pickerington Elementary and Middle School Handbook and Code of Conduct with your child. We look forward to partnering with you to provide the best possible educational experience for your child. Using and understanding this handbook will help ensure everyone in our schools has a safe, productive and fulfilling school year.

This handbook is not an all-inclusive list of policies and procedures for our district/schools. If you have questions about a school matter, please contact your student’s teacher or building administrator.

Pickerington Schools will take reasonable steps to ensure that persons with Limited English Proficiency  (LEP) have meaningful access and an equal opportunity to participate in all services, activities, and  programs available throughout the district. It is the policy of PLSD to ensure meaningful communication  with LEP students and families and to communicate information related to the education of all students. All  services needed to comply with this policy will be provided for students and their families in need of such  assistance free of charge. For assistance, please call 614-833-2110. 

Pickerington Schools provide students with access to computer equipment, programs, systems, email,  internet, and other technologies. Each student must take responsibility for appropriate and lawful use of  this access. Students shall not use the school district’s equipment, systems, or network for activities that  cause harm to others or damage to their property; or that violate the law, Board policy, or the Student  Code of Conduct. The board or authorized district officials will make a good-faith judgment as to which  materials, files, information, software, communications, and other content and activities are permitted  and prohibited under the particular circumstances based on the following guidelines. Uses and activities  that are considered unacceptable and constitute a violation of this policy include, but are not limited to: illegal activities, accessing inappropriate material, inappropriate or insensitive communication, violating copyright laws, copying software, plagiarism, misuse of equipment, passwords or software, malicious  use or vandalism, and unauthorized access to the internet. The district and its staff reserve the right to  filter and monitor district devices and district internet usage at all times. (24/hours, 365/days a year) 

Pickerington Schools will use a variety of services that allow the district to monitor students' accounts, all accounts linked to that PLSD Google Account and student’s PLSD owned  Chromebooks. These services may have the ability to notify students when minor infractions occur. As well as notify PLSD administrators is a major infraction occurs or the possibility of self-harm exists. 

Please review policy 7540.03 in its entirety on the district website for additional details.  

The Pickerington Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to make accident insurance  covering children available to parent/guardian(s) at a nominal premium. Covering a child in the  program is at the discretion of the parent/guardian(s). The insurance covers accidents that occur  during school, on the way to and from school, and while attending school functions. More information  about the school insurance program can be found by visiting our website at: www.pickerington.k12.oh.us

Students are permitted to ride bikes to school with their parents’ approval. The school will not be responsible for bikes being damaged or stolen while on school property. We recommend that only  students who live in the immediate vicinity ride bikes to school. Students must walk their bicycles  while on the sidewalks in front of the school. Bicycles must be parked in the bike racks and remain parked during school hours.

The staff recognizes that birthdays are very special days for children. We want to help your child celebrate this special occasion. However, to protect students with health concerns including food allergies and to comply with the board policy, please follow these guidelines:

1. Limit your treats to non-food items, such as stickers, pencils, etc.
2. Refrain from sending flowers, balloons, or other special gifts to children during school hours.

To avoid hurt feelings, party invitations will not be distributed at school.

Any change of address must be reported to the District’s Welcome Center at 614-920-6180.  Any home  phone number and/or parent/guardian work phone number change should be made by going to the  Infinite Campus Parent Portal at: www.pickerington.k12.oh.us 

In cases of divorce/separation, a copy of the final agreement of the divorce decree/separation  agreement that stipulates the custodial provisions must be provided to the school.  Any subsequent  changes to the court order or decree must also be provided to school officials. Proper identification may  be requested to address custody/student issues with building staff.  

We believe that regular, punctual attendance to school is essential if our students are to receive maximum benefit from the educational program we offer.  Success in school is directly related to attendance habits, and developing a regular pattern of good attendance is crucial for future success.

Our Board of Education policies on student attendance and absences from school follow all statutes and regulations of both the Ohio Administrative Code and the federal Missing Child Act.  Together, our local policy and these pieces of legislation outline each aspect of your child’s attendance to school.

First and foremost, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian(s) to ensure their children have regular school attendance.  Additionally, in the event a student is absent from school for any reason, it is the responsibility to notify the school. The specific policies related to our elementary and middle school attendance program are described below. Questions should be addressed to your school’s office.

Please refer to policy 5200 on attendance for information on habitual absences, tardies, preplanned absences, and procedures for addressing truancy.

When a child will be absent from or tardy to school, parent/guardian(s) must notify the school no later than 10:00 a.m. the morning of the absence. An answering machine is available 24 hours a day for reporting a student absence or tardy. If school office personnel have not been notified of an absence, we will place a telephone call either to the home or to the parent/guardian’s place of employment.

Absences from school are classified as either excused or unexcused.  Students will be permitted to make up and receive credit for work missed. The State of Ohio permits us to excuse a child’s absence for the following reasons:

1. Illness (doctor‘s excuse may be required)
2. Illness inside the immediate family that necessitates the presence of the child
3. Death of a relative (limited to 3 days)
4. Observation of religious holidays consistent with their religious beliefs (Notification must be submitted at least one day prior to the absence )
5. Medical or dental appointment (usually a partial day)
6. Quarantine for contagious disease (as verified by a medical professional)
7. College visitation (three approved days allowed/must complete pre-approval form)
8. Emergency circumstances (eg. court appearance, required meeting with social services agency, student required to travel with a parent/guardian.)
9. Absences due to a student’s placement in foster care or changes in foster care placement or any court proceedings related to their foster care status
10. Absences due to circumstances impacted by homelessness

All other absences will be counted as unexcused.  Excessive absences may result in a phone call from school, written notification from school, or a referral to the District attendance/truant officer.  In addition, further absences illness may result in the child being placed on Needs Medical Excuse status.  Students placed on N.M.E. restrictions must produce a note from their physician for the absence to be excused.  Without this medical note, the absence will remain unexcused.

Once a student gets to school, they are expected to stay the entire day or until that student is dismissed. Each student leaving school property during school hours will be required to have written communication from the parent/guardian. Please note that for security purposes, students will NOT be dismissed to parent/guardian(s) following school events held during the regular school day. Parent/guardian(s0 wanting to take their child out of school early must follow the regular sign out procedures. Any student leaving early will be counted absent for that portion of the day.

Vacation days are noted in the annual school calendar. It is the expectation of the Board that families do everything possible to plan their vacations during these times. If this is not possible, arrangements must be made in advance through the office. All work missed must be completed and turned in on the day of return to school. Scheduling vacations during established testing windows is strongly discouraged. Vacations are unexcused absences.

A student who will be out of the country for an extended period of time will be withdrawn from the district.  Upon their return to Pickerington they will need to provide the Welcome Center proof of residency to be re-enrolled and continue their education in Pickerington Schools.

Publicly funded transportation is a service provided under the direction of the Pickerington Board of Education, which should be regarded as a privilege by students. It is expected that those who ride the school buses will always conduct themselves as good passengers. All students who ride a school bus are subject to these regulations while riding to and from school or on special trips.

The superintendent/designee is authorized to deny transportation to a student.  A student must be given a written notice of the intended suspension.  The student shall have the opportunity to appear informally before the superintendent or superintendent’s designee before the suspension is imposed.  Students are also subject to emergency removal from the bus for other disciplines. If emergency removal is imposed, a hearing will be held within three (3) school days of the initial removal.  The notice shall also include the reasons for removal.  Students may be suspended for up to one (1) year.

1. Parent/guardian(s) are responsible for the safety of their student before pick up and after drop off.
2. Students must be at the designated bus stops five (5) minutes before arrival time. In the evenings when school is dismissed students have sufficient time to board their assigned bus. After the bus drivers have been notified that it is clear to leave, they are instructed to close the bus doors.
3. Students must cross approximately ten (10) feet in front (only) of the bus. Students must follow the driver’s hand signals when crossing the street.
4. When boarding, students must go directly to an available or assigned seat so the bus may safely resume motion.
5. Students must remain seated at all times, keeping aisles and exits clear. Students shall not move from seat to seat.
6. No standing on the seats or sitting on the backs of seats.
7. Unauthorized touching or hitting, along with tripping and spitting, or making physical threats to a student or bus driver or any other person, will not be permitted and will generally result in a suspension for a minimum of three (3) days.
8. A student shall not use abusive, obscene, profane, or offensive language, gestures, or signs toward the bus driver, bus monitor, another student, school employee, or adult.
9. Students are not permitted to smoke, otherwise use, possess, buy, sell, attempt to sell, distribute, or burn tobacco in any form, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, clove cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snuff, and any other form of tobacco. Ohio law prohibits pupils from smoking and/or using and/or possessing tobacco in any area under the control of the school district or at any activity supervised by any school in that district.
10. Students are not permitted to use matches or cigarette lighters. A student shall not burn or attempt to burn any part of any school bus or objects therein, or any other property belonging to another person or to the Pickerington Schools.
11. Eating, drinking, and gum chewing on the bus is not permitted at any time, except as required for medical reasons.
12. Students will ride only on assigned buses and are not permitted to get off other than at the assigned bus stop without prior administrative approval.
13. Throwing litter on the bus or out the windows, or throwing anything at the bus, is prohibited and may result in suspension from the bus.
14. Students will keep all parts of their body inside the bus.
15. At no time are students allowed to tamper with the emergency exit door or windows. A suspension will be given.
16. Vandalism of buses, such as cutting seats, poking holes, etc., shall not be permitted. Parents/guardian(s) will be financially responsible for any damage done by their children.
17. Students must promptly obey the bus driver’s instructions the first time they are given and refrain from talking back. If a student fails to comply with reasonable requests or directives of any school employee or bus driver, it will be considered insubordination. The bus is an extension of the classroom with equal expectations for behavior.
18. Absolute quiet must be maintained at all railroad crossings until the bus is across the tracks and at other points of danger as specified by the bus driver.
19. Spitting is not permitted.
20. Except as required by state or federal disability laws, animals of any size will not be transported on a school bus.
21. A student is not permitted to possess, transmit, or conceal a dangerous weapon, dangerous instrument, or “look-alike” counterfeit weapon or instrument. Look-alike weapons could include, but are not limited to, starter pistols, stun guns, or any object a reasonable person might consider, under the circumstances, to be a weapon or dangerous instrument such as firearms, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, knives, or mace.
22. A student is not permitted to possess, solicit, use, conceal, sell, offer to sell, be under the influence of, show evidence of consumption, supply, or transmit narcotics, other illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcoholic beverages, counterfeit controlled substances or “look-alike” controlled substances. A lookalike controlled substance could include but is not limited to anything that a reasonable person would believe to be a controlled substance because of its similarity in shape, size, color, marking, labeling, packaging, distribution, or the price for which it is sold or offered for sale. Possession includes, but is not limited to, retention on the student’s person, or in a purse, wallet, locker, desk, or vehicle on school property or vehicle used for school purposes. Included in the prohibition are any substances represented as a controlled substance, such as non-alcoholic beers, steroids, tobacco products, e-cigarettes/vaporizers, and drug paraphernalia.
23. Noise on the bus shall always be kept to a minimum at all times to ensure safe operation of the bus.
24. Students wishing to ride a different bus for one trip must have a note signed by the parent/guardian(s) and by the building administrator/designee. This will be done only in emergencies, not for convenience.
25. Students may carry on the bus only objects that can be held in their laps. Absolutely no glass containers or aerosol cans will be permitted on any school bus. Balloons, lacrosse sticks, hockey sticks, basketballs, and skateboards are not permitted on the bus. Baseball bats, tennis rackets, and athletic equipment are permitted when transported in appropriate bags/covers.
26. Students may possess wireless communication devices (WCDs) on the school bus. Students may use WCDs while on the school bus. However, distracting behavior that creates an unsafe environment will not be tolerated. The bus driver or District staff member (e.g. teacher, activity sponsor, advisor, coach) has the right to ask any student to turn off their device. Students are prohibited from using WCDs to capture, record, or transmit the words (i.e. audio) and/or images (i.e., pictures/videos) of any student, staff member, or other person without express prior notice and explicit consent for the capture, recording, or transmission of such words or images. Failure to comply may result in a bus suspension.
27. Students must comply with all provisions and requirements of the Student Code of Conduct. Students who have been given a misconduct slip must have said slip signed and returned to their bus driver the next time they board the bus. Failure to do so may result in a bus suspension until the signed misconduct slip has been returned.

The code complies with the due process requirements of Ohio law.  In general, it outlines offenses  for which a student may be suspended and/or expelled from school.  Students are responsible for  knowing the rules and regulations of the code.  If you have questions or concerns about the school  Student Code of Conduct policy, please contact any Building Administrator/designee.  

It is impossible to list or categorize all the various types of disciplinary violations; thus, the  administration reserves the right to administer discipline as the facts of the case dictate.   

The administration will make every attempt to communicate to parents all necessary information  concerning discipline or attendance problems.  Parents and guardians should feel free to contact  them for assistance. 

Notwithstanding the discipline guidelines, a student may, at any time, for any violation of the  Student Code of Conduct, be suspended, removed and/or expelled from school, and/or be  subjected to other disciplinary action for committing any one or more of the acts listed below. 

These discipline regulations apply to conduct while school is in session; at school-sponsored  activities; on school premises; off school premises at any competition, extracurricular activity, or  any other school program or activity that is not located in a school or on property that is owned or  controlled by the Board of Education; in any vehicle whose use is controlled, organized, or  arranged by the school; when the student is within the school district’s off-premises institutional  authority; or at any time when the student is subject to the authority of the Board of Education or  school personnel.   

During the time of suspension (not to include in-school study), expulsion, or removal, the student’s  parent, guardian, or custodian is responsible for the student.  While suspended, expelled, or  removed from school, students are not permitted to attend curricular or extracurricular activities  or to be on school premises for any reason unless a prior appointment has been made with school  officials. 

Copies of the Student Code of Conduct and relevant board policies are available in the office, upon  request, to students and parents.  The Student Code of Conduct may change during the school year.   Please consult the posting in the office for the current policies.  Disciplinary action will follow the  Board of Education approved Student Code of Conduct. 

In the event of student misconduct, one or more of the following procedures may be administered or another discipline imposed as deemed appropriate by the school administration. The options listed  below will be determined by the building administrator. The following list of actions is not specific  to the order of assignment.  

• Conference: A conference involving any combination of student(s), parents, teachers, counselor,  building administrator, and assistant building administrator.
• Loss of Recess/Lunch Detention: Students may lose recess time.  The amount of time lost will be  determined by the school administration. 
• Detention: A thirty (30) minute period before or after school.  Detentions must be served within  two schooldays. If not, the student may be issued a second detention. Failure to serve that  detention could lead to other corrective measures.
• Office Time Out: Students may be assigned an amount of time to be spent in the office or other  designated area. 
• Emergency removal: Students may be removed from class/school as per board policy and the  ORC. 
• In-School Study: In-school study shall be used within the structure of the Student Code of Conduct,  depending upon the nature of the offense.  Students assigned to in-school study are removed from  the mainstream of the student population to a designated area.  Academic work may be made up  provided the student abides by the rules and completes the work assigned. 

In-School Suspension/Out of School Suspension/Expulsion: When students are suspended in school, out-of-school, or expelled, they have the opportunity to complete all work assigned and  receive full credit. Students will not be penalized for missed work that cannot be duplicated outside  of the classroom. Teachers may use a different assignment to determine mastery of the missed  assignment. Suspended or expelled students may not be on school property or attend/participate in school events, home or away, on the days they are suspended/expelled. Additional guidance  regarding discipline can be found in district policies located on the district’s website.   

The suspension and expulsion of students with disabilities will be in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, the Ohio Revised Code, and the 2008  Operating Standards for Ohio Educational Agencies serving Children with Disabilities (Rules 3301- 51-01 to 3301-51-09 and 3301-51-11 of the Ohio Administrative Code). 

These rules are intended to promote maximum safety, develop a positive climate for living,  encourage courtesy and respect, maintain a good atmosphere for learning, and protect the rights  and property of schools and others.  Any violation of the following rules may result in disciplinary  action being taken by the school. 

A student shall not commit any act not listed herein that constitutes a felony, misdemeanor, or  violation of an ordinance. 

For purposes of this section of the Code of Conduct, the term "Substance" shall include, but not be  limited to, the following: alcohol; illegal drugs; un-prescribed drugs; narcotics; hallucinogens; amphetamines; barbiturates; marijuana; steroids; caffeine tablets; K2, spice, posh, "legal weed", or  any other marijuana substitute; look-alike drugs; or any substance that is represented to be, to  contain, to mimic, or be used to produce the same or similar effects as illegal drugs, narcotics,  hallucinogens, amphetamines, barbiturates, marijuana, alcohol, CBD products, stimulants,  depressants, or other intoxicants; or any other controlled substance as defined under the laws of  Ohio or federal law. 

A student shall not possess, solicit, use, conceal, sell, offer to sell, purchase, be under the influence  of, show evidence of consumption, supply, distribute, or transmit any substance, or otherwise  violate board policy.      

"Possession" includes, but is not limited to, retention of a Substance on the student's person or in a  purse, wallet, locker, desk, or vehicle.  Included in this prohibition is the possession of drug  paraphernalia, which includes, but is not limited to, rolling papers and other items used to inject,  inhale, administer, deliver, ingest or otherwise consume a Substance.  

No student shall possess any counterfeit " Substance," as the term is defined under "Alcohol and  Drugs." No student shall possess any counterfeit money,  nor shall any student make, sell, offer to  sell, give, package, conceal, supply, transmit, or deliver a counterfeit Substance.  Possession is  defined under "Alcohol and Drugs."   

No student shall directly or indirectly represent a counterfeit Substance as a Substance that is  prohibited by the Code of Conduct by describing, either with words or conduct, its effects as being  the same or similar to the physical or mental effects associated with the use of a Substance.   

1. Any Substance that bears, or whose container or label bears, a trademark, trade name, or other  identifying mark used without authorization of the owner or rights to such trademark, trade  name, or identifying mark; 
2. Any unmarked or unlabeled contraband that is represented to be a Substance prohibited by  the Code of Conduct, which is manufactured, processed, packaged, or distributed; c. Anything that is represented to be a Substance prohibited by the Code of Conduct but does not  fall within the definition of a "Substance." 
3. Anything that a reasonable person would believe to be a Substance prohibited by the Code of  Conduct because of its similarity in shape, size, color, markings, labeling, packaging,  distribution, or the price for which it is sold or offered for sale.   

A student shall not possess, transmit, or conceal a dangerous weapon, dangerous instrument, or  “look-alike” counterfeit weapon or instrument.  Such items include, but are not limited to,  explosives, bullets, fireworks, mace, firearms, knives, BB or pellet guns, or any object that can  reasonably be considered a dangerous instrument.  Look-alike weapons include, but are not  limited to, any object a reasonable person might consider, under the circumstances, to be a  weapon or dangerous instrument. 

Additionally, ORC Section 2923.122 makes it a felony for any person to knowingly convey, attempt  to convey, or possess any deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance onto or on any property owned  by or controlled by, or to any activity held under the auspices of, a school.  A violation may result in the student being expelled for a period of up to one calendar year. Violators of the Code of  Conduct may be referred to civil authorities.  See board policy.

No student shall induce panic, i.e., cause the evacuation of any school building or otherwise cause  serious public inconvenience or alarm, by: 

1. initiating or circulating a report or warning of an alleged or impending fire, explosion, crime,  or other catastrophe, knowing that such a report or warning is false.  Examples include, but are  not limited to, pulling a fire alarm when you know there is no fire, making a bomb threat when  you know there is no bomb, and making a fake “hit list.” 
2. threatening to commit an offense of violence, as that term is defined in ORC Section 2917.31.   Examples include, but are not limited to, threatening to kill, assault, kidnap, rape, or rob  someone; to commit extortion; to provoke a riot; to commit arson; or to discharge a firearm at  or into a school. 
3. committing any offense with reckless disregard of the likelihood that its commission will cause  serious public inconvenience or alarm.  For purposes of this policy, reckless disregard means  perversely disregarding a known risk that your conduct is likely to cause serious public  inconvenience or alarm, and being heedlessly indifferent to the effects of your actions on  others. 

Any student who violates this rule will be subject to school discipline, in accordance with board  policy and the Code of Conduct.  In addition, any student who violates this rule may be referred to  the authorities.  Under Ohio law, any person who “induces panic” is guilty of a felony, regardless of  whether anyone is hurt or the school suffers economic harm.  Students may be expelled for one  calendar year.  See ORC Section 2917.31. 

In addition to the rules previously listed in the Code of Conduct, students may be disciplined for  violations of the following rules.  A violation of these rules normally will not result in suspension  or expulsion, but repeated violations could result in suspension or expulsion.  The law has defined  habitual and chronic truancy with referrals to juvenile court.  See board policy. 

Refer to the attendance section of the handbook and the Pickerington Schools board policy. 

Refer to the attendance section of the handbook and the Pickerington Schools board policy. 

If a student is more than five minutes late for class, they may be considered unexcused from  the class. If a student fails to attend an assigned period without an excuse, it will be dealt with more severely than if the student shows up late. 

Students shall have a pass from an instructor to be in the halls during class time.

Students may show only affection that is within the boundaries of good taste while at school. Students that do not show good taste will be dealt with accordingly.